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'Cup triumph can boost us for years'

Thomas Vermaelen believes victory in the FA Cup final will be the catalyst for a new era of success for Arsenal.

The Gunners are looking to clinch silverware for the first time since 2005 when they take on Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.

Arsenal will start the game as favourites and have already beaten Steve Bruce's side twice this season - including a 3-0 win at KC Stadium last month. But Vermaelen says recent history won't affect the outcome of Saturday's final.

"There's loads of potential in this team, a lot of good players so it will give them confidence for the following years"

"A final is always something special but it doesn't mean you're going to win it," he said.

"Hull is a good team and they have a great manager. I wouldn't say it was comfortable [against Hull in the league] because if you look at the first half they made it quite difficult, they battled a lot with long balls.

"Hopefully, it will give us a massive boost anyway and for the next few years as well. There's loads of potential in this team, a lot of good players so it will give them confidence for the following years."

Twenty-five thousand Arsenal fans will be at Wembley but Vermaelen says the team are aware of the support they will receive from around the globe on Saturday.

"The fans have been amazing for us the whole season and as well at Wembley," he said. "I've heard there will be a massive screening at Emirates with thousands of people so we're very thankful for their support. I'm happy we have such great fans."

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